erived very material benefit from the
Papal visit. The port of Pesaro was to be almost entirely reconstructed,
the Holy Father bestowing $80,000 from his own resources. The port of
Sinigaglia was also considerably improved, and a new sanitary office
built. The cities of Ancona and Civita Vecchia were to be enlarged. At
Bologna the High street was widened and beautified; the fine facade of the
cathedral was to be completed, the Pope contributing $5,000 for fifteen
years. At Perugia new prisons were to be constructed, and the condition of
the prisoners was to be in every way improved; a liberal annual
contribution was given towards preserving the splendid native collections
of art. Ravenna, although long neglected and in decay, was not forgotten.
Pius IX. wished to revive, as far as possible, the ancient commercial
prosperity of this city, and promised $4,000 annually for ten years
towards improving the port. At Ferrara many improvements were ordered, and
$9,000 contributed for the completing of the Pamfilio canal. The Holy
Father also appointed a commission of engineers, in order to devise a plan
by which the river Reno should be turned into the Po, and an extensive
tract of fertile land thus saved from periodical inundations. Funds were
provided for the relief of poor sailors. Liberal grants were allotted for
artesian wells, where required, and for bridges and public roads.
Especially were large allowances devoted for the improvement of the
highways at Pesaro, Macerata, Imola, Camerino, &c. Telegraphic
communication was widely established. Prisons, hospitals and schools were
special objects of the Holy Father's care. It was the duty of Monsignor de
Merode, who accompanied the Pope, on arriving in any city or town, to
visit the prison, enquire into everything connected with it, and report
accordingly. Monsignor Talbot had commission to look to the state of
charitable, industrial and educational institutions, in all of which he
aided in promoting valuable reforms.

It is impossible to consider, without emotion, the reception which greeted
the Holy Father in his former diocese of Spoleto. At every step proof upon
proof was given of reverence and affection, which time had not diminished.
Etiquette and state ceremony were laid aside. The youthful and the aged
alike would see their good shepherd, and he was anxious to salute his
people, and converse with them all. Many a face, familiar to him of old,
was recognized with pleasu